Man Arrested Six Times While Out on Bail Finally Convicted – Sentenced to 1-3 Years in State Prison

The Cortland County District Attorney’s Office of Patrick Perfetti has announced the sentencing of 55 year old Patrick S. Rich back on August 29th. Rich was originally arrested back in October of 2022 on a Criminal Contempt charge.

However, as Rich was out on cashless bail when he would then be arrested an additional six times; all with the same victim and violating his probation while doing so.

“Unfortunately, the number of cases that were pending against Mr. Rich, 6 among 3 local jurisdictions, is a direct consequence of the cashless bail system forced upon the counties by downstate interests that are controlling Albany,”

said D.A. Perfetti.

District Attorney Perfetti cited the state’s ongoing policies towards cashless bail as the cause of Rich’s numerous arrests. He noted policies require successive charges of a Misdemeanor Criminal Contempt before it elevates to a Felony charge. Only at a Felony charge may bail be implemented.

“This is an example of how cashless bail places victims at risk who have a right to be left alone. Also, earlier pre-trial detention in this case may have permitted diversion resources to be engaged to benefit Rich,”

said DA Perfetti.

Rich was sentenced by the Honorable Julie A. Campbell to an indeterminate term in state prison of 1 to 3 years upon the conviction of the Felony charge. The court additionally issued an Order of Protection on behalf of the victim for 10 years, the maximum allowed. The conviction resolved all 6 of the pending matters, Assistant DA Richard C. Van Donsel said in a release. Van Donsel prosecuted the matter on behalf of the DA Office.